Light Set Up Ensures A Hot Meal

Compact, gives adequate and adjustable heat, durable and reliable

Stove

This stove is pretty easy to use and has a straight forward design. It’s functioned well in both hot and cold weather for me multiple times. I don’t know if it is any more effective than a pocket rocket for most people. But if you are boiling larger pots of water for a whole group the extra support of the legs really help keep things stable. All in all I would recommend this stove it might not be the lightest but works like a charm!

The water boils extremely quick even at altitude when paired with the Optimus pot. The fuel system is simple and easy to use while still providing ample variability in flame intensity.

I’ll Keep My Jetboil…

I took my review off another site….. I’ve had the Vega for about 2 years now and have used it a few times thinking each time might get better. I have an MSR (very old)Whisperlite International, and 2 jetboils. I use the Jetboil Minimo a majority of the time since most of my backpacking trips are solo. Many reviewers on other sites posted about leakage between the fuel cylinder and the stove, mainly when not using an Optimus fuel canister. Minimal leakage with the jetboil fuel can. The Optimus fuel can was a different story. Fuel was dripping out and quite a bit. Even after it was screwed in tightly. When melting snow for water every bit of fuel helps. When I screw the canisters into either if my jetboils there is absolutely no leakage. I mainly use jetboil fuel as I’ve found at altitude above 9000ft and in cold it works the best out of all the canister types. Next I did a boil test. I used the pot from my Minimo. 34 degree water from my fridge. 16oz. Of water. First the Vega. It took 2 minutes 31 seconds to boil. I did have to turn the flame down because it comes out so high it was spreading up the side of the pot and started to melt the handles and neoprene cover. I then tested the same way on my Minimo. It took 1 minute 49 seconds to bring to boil. Again when having to melt snow for water or even just boil water that’s a lot of fuel! The jetboil’s flame does not shoot up as high as the Vega’s. Which for me is another source of contention as in winter I melt snow and cook in my vestibule. With the Vega this won’t be an option for me. Make sure when you light the Vega you do so with the canister in the upright position or you will get a huge flair up! (See photo) This thing also sounds like a jet so be prepared. I thought jetboil’s were loud. This is way louder. On the plus side it is light and sturdy. What I do like about it is that you can flip the fuel can when needed to get extra gas out and for when cooking in cold temps. I keep my fuel canisters in my sleeping bag with me to keep them warm. I’ve never had a problem cooking with these in the cold even at 14k ft. It’s sturdy and stable without having to add a base. Except you’ll need one when cooking on snow. Since it sits low to the ground I suggest sweeping away any combustibles underneath the stove. I definitely prefer my jetboil. It’s more efficient and I’ve never had an issue w/ the fuel leaking.

Awesome 4-season Stove

Recently did a trip with some buddies in the White Mountains. We summited North and South Twin, Zealand, and Hale. It was late December so temperatures were around 20F. After letting the stove heat up for about a minute, I flipped the canister upside down to put it in four season mode. I don't remember how long it took to boil my water but our elevation was about 4600' and it didn't feel very long. The stove was even so compact that I fit it into my 1L pot, along with a small rag and my zippo. I've only used it in the field a handful of times but the thing seems bombproof. I even spilled a bunch of water on it and after lighting it again, it only took a few seconds to clear the water and work normally again. Definitely recommend!